Types of Countertop Edges—Which One is Perfect for Your Kitchen?

Details matter and for all good reasons. A precise choice can make or break your kitchen’s interior— That’s probably why you are fussing over choosing the correct types of countertop edges for your kitchen’s overall look and personality. Rightly so! 

Countertop edges can easily go unnoticed, but their absence is loud and clear, making your kitchen look incomplete or unfinished. 

Luckily, there’s a wide variety of countertop edges you can choose from, and each adds significant value to your kitchen’s remodel and the vibe you’re going for.

Whether going for a contemporary or a traditional design, here are all the answers to your countertop edge questions. 

Standard Countertop Edge Profiles

On the more affordable and classy side, we have seven minimalist standard countertop edges

1. Eased edge countertop
2. Square countertop edge
3. Beveled edge countertop
4. Pencil edge countertop
5. Bullnose edge countertop
6. Half bullnose edge countertop
7. Demi bullnose edge countertop

The differences are subtle and can cause a lot of confusion. This article will help you differentiate these types of countertop edges and which one goes with your preference. 

1. Eased-Edge Countertop

First on our list is the Eased edge countertop— it’s minimalist, affordable, safe, and an all-time classic choice. It’s often referred to as a ‘softened square edge’ because there’s a subtle roundness in its creases. 

This roundness isn’t dominant like the bullnose or pencil edge; the design only cuts ⅛ radius material from the countertop edge. This ensures a flat & sleek surface but with the benefit of blunt edges. 

Its overall sleek profile is perfect for art and contemporary decor style. 

• Eased edge countertop’s rounded square design provides safety for younger kids and clumsy adults. If safety is your major concern, an eased edge can be a choice because it does provide some protection.

• Its unsharpened square is less prone to chipping, thus making this countertop edge more durable and long-lasting. 

• It takes less space and fits perfectly in a small-sized kitchen without suffocating the surrounding. 

Who should choose an eased-edge countertop? 

If you are on a budget but want aesthetically pleasing contemporary decor with a sleek but safer design, an eased-edge countertop should be the go-to choice.

During our most recent kitchen remodel, we chose eased-edge for our quartz countertop.

95% of the time it’s what we recommended for clients as well.

Click here to check out our first small kitchen remodel where we used butcher block countertops as a super budget-friendly option.

2. Pencil Edge Countertop

Of all the square edge profiles, the pencil edge countertop has the most bluntness/roundness to its edges. The design has a ¼ radius cut from its material at the top. 

Unlike the eased edge that doesn’t go through any trimming on the bottom side, the pencil edge does! At the bottom, there’s a sleek cut of 1/16 radius, allowing the pencil edge countertop to have a softer radius and appearance on both sides. So, this is perfect for individuals who want a square top but not without risking safety! 

When child-proofing the house, a pencil-edge countertop is the safest option in all square-edge profiles. 

• The countertop usually appears thin and lean because the pencil edge is trimmed at both sides. 

• You will need a stronger material when choosing pencil-edge countertops because the edge cannot sustain much damage. 

• Its making is cost-efficient but requires an expensive natural stone like granite or quartz.

• Easy to clean and maintain. 

Who should get a Pencil edge countertop?

The pencil edge is perfect for contemporary kitchens and a house full of young kids. It’s also a great budget-friendly choice for a traditional kitchen. The slight bluntness doesn’t overpower the elegance of a traditional kitchen.  

Pencil edge vs. Eased edge 

Eased edge has ⅛ radius cut from the top material. On the bottom, it remains an almost sharp square with a little sanding. 

On the other hand, the pencil edge has ¼ radius cut from its top edge and 1/16 radius trimmed out from the bottom, allowing softer edges on both sides. 

3. Square Edge Countertop

Eased edge and square edge create the most confusion. Both the edges have rounded countertop finish, but the bluntness in all these edges varies. Here’s a breakdown: 

In terms of roundness/bluntness—

Pencil edge countertop > Eased edge countertop > Square edge countertop

The pencil edge has the most bluntness compared to all three. Both pencil and eased-edge have a defined radius cut off from the top edge to achieve the desired look. 

On the other hand, the square edge doesn’t go through additional trimming. The edges only go through one sanding process to dull down their sharpness/pointedness; no extra material is cut off from the actual design. This allows a straight 90𝆩 angle to all the faces of the countertop. 

This is also why square-edge countertops have the most sleek and sophisticated look and presentation. 

They are cost-efficient, classy, compatible, posh and the perfect choice for contemporary kitchen decor. 

Who should get a square edge countertop, and who shouldn’t?

It’s perfect for individuals looking for a rich and sophisticated look without any additional cost. 

Please note, a square-edge countertop isn’t a great choice if you have young kids at home; the chances of injuries can be very high! The square edge is also prone to chipping, given its almost sharp corners.

Eased Vs. Square Countertop Edge Styles

As stated above, the difference between these two edges is very little. Both appear sleek and modern. However, if you are focused on the details, the square edge has more sleek and straight lines than eased edge countertops. It looks more modern, proper, angular, and finished than its counterpart. 

Eased edge has a deliberate roundness compared to a square edge; it provides an almost flat surface along with safety. 

• Sleek, straight, and polished: Square edge countertop. 
• Slightly less angular, visibly soft (round edges), and safe: Eased square edges.

Both the edges have the same price, so it all boils down to whether child-proofing is a must in your interior or whether it is okay to go completely sharp with the defined square edges. 

Pencil Edge Vs. Square Edge

In simpler words, a pencil edge countertop is a “squircle”— a square with arched edges. On the contrary, as the name goes, a square edge has defined creases and the perfect 90𝆩 angles at all sides. 

4. Beveled Edge Countertop

The bevel countertop edge is another sleek choice for your contemporary or modern kitchen. I personally think it goes great with traditional kitchens, too, creating a beautiful contrast. 

The bevel edge has a sharp square bottom with a 45𝆩angle cut at the top, achieving a cleaner and more sophisticated look. 

Depending on your preference, you can either choose ½ bevel edge countertop or ¼ bevel countertop. 

• ½ Beveled countertop edge: The 45-degree cut goes all the way to the center of the edge. 

• ¼ beveled edge countertop: the 45 degree cut reaches ¼ section of the edge. 

Cost-wise, the bevel edge doesn’t charge you much and has similar rates to other standard edge countertops. 

• The 45-angle helps avoid chipping without removing your modern kitchen’s sleek edges and corners. 

• The 45 angle reduces chances of injury! 

• This slice cut is also known to reflect light on the edge; this reflection adds attention, grandeur and drama to your kitchen countertop. 

• It’s easy to clean and maintain

Who should get a Bevel edge countertop?

So, if you don’t want the bluntness of a pencil or eased edge but still want safety, a beveled edge countertop is perfect! It’s sleek, angular, and very modern.

Full Bullnose Edge Countertop

Precisely designed for kids, a full bullnose will always ensure safety. Its design is rounded from both sides, creating a semi-circle edge with an even finish. Perfect for traditional kitchens, this countertop edge gives away a softer and more gentle look. 

In terms of affordability, full bullnose is slightly more expensive than other standard countertop edges but a cost-efficient option compared to other premium traditional kitchen edges, such as ogee, DuPont, double ogee, etc. 

The slab appears thinner and more lavish because it’s rounded on both sides. 

A few things to remember before you purchase full bullnose: 

• A full bullnose edge can be messy when it comes to cleaning. The liquid may round up along the insides of the edge instead of coming down. So, you must be extra careful with spills on this type of edge. 

• It works well with timeless and traditional designs but may look out-of-place in contemporary decor. 

Half Bullnose Edge Countertop

Half bullnose is another great curvy option for safer kitchen designs. Plus, it’s easier to clean compared to a full bullnose edge. This design curves down to a square bottom, ensuring all the spills drip down on the floor easily without getting stuck or damaging the cabinet’s insides. 

Please note: The top curve reaches the center of the surface, and then it’s flattened out to reach the square bottom. 

Who should get a half-bullnose edge countertop?

Half bullnose works great with traditional and contemporary designs. It’s essentially designed for a fast-paced kitchen to avoid painful bumping and messy cleaning. 

Demi Bullnose Edge Countertop

Demi bullnose and half bullnose may appear similar but are slightly different. While half bullnose rounds up in the middle, the demi bullnose’s curve reaches all the way down to the bottom, creating an overall round, flattened, and thick look. 

It’s another great choice for a functional kitchen with a lot of traffic and mishaps. 

Premium Countertop Edge Types

Premium countertop edges often go with traditional kitchens instead of contemporary remodeling (not always necessary, though). They are more expensive and complement a rich or extravagant grandeur. 

In general, there are six-eight premium countertop edges, but you always have the option of going with unique custom designs. 

• Mitered countertop edge. 
• Waterfall edge countertops
• Ogee edge countertop
• Double ogee edge countertop
• Cove 
• Dupont
• Cove Dupont
• Stepped edge
• Chiseled

Which one’s perfect for your expensive taste? Below’s a run down for all these premium countertop edges. 

Mitered Edge Countertop

The mitered countertop is often confused with a square edge countertop, but both edges have a hidden difference. Have you ever wondered why a mitered edge always appears thick while a square edge is half its size? There’s a reason! 

The miter edge is not any thicker than the square edge, but the Miter edge’s making and design create an illusion that makes it appear thicker. 

A square edge is simply a slab precisely cut at 90𝆩 from all sides. On the contrary, a mitered edge is created by gluing two pieces together to create that 90-degree angles.

Here’s how it’s made—

The first piece, of course, is your big countertop slab. Instead of having a 90𝆩 angle, this slab is precisely cut at a 45𝆩 angle (on the inside). Next, the side slabs are also cut at a similar angle. 

Both these pieces are later fixed together to create a square. The wider your side edges are, the bigger your mitered countertop will look! 

• It’s slightly more expensive than other standard countertops. 
• The false thickness makes your countertop slab look thicker and richer. 

Miter edge countertop is perfect for posh contemporary or modern kitchens instead of traditional kitchens. Depending on your preference, you can have as thick of a mitered edge as you wish. The most popular choices are 

• 2 inch mitered edge countertop
• 3 inch mitered edge countertop, but you can go with thicker edges. 

Waterfall Edge Countertop. 

Waterfall countertop edges are the extended version of mitered edges. Instead of stopping at 2-3 inches, they flow completely down towards the floor, creating a perfect 90𝆩 angle with the floor. 

Countertop waterfall edges have a similar making process to the mitered edges; two slabs are cut precisely at 45𝆩 angles to create a square profile. 

You cannot use two different slabs to make a waterfall countertop edge; both pieces should come from one big continuous slab, so it perfectly embodies a waterfall, especially when choosing a patterned countertop stone— the pattern lines should align. 

Who should choose waterfall countertop edges?

If you want an L-shaped or a digital U-shaped square profile countertop that runs towards the floor, the waterfall countertop edge is perfect for your contemporary decor style. 

Ogee Edge Countertop

Here comes our first elegant countertop edge, perfectly crafted to compliment your traditional, classical style. The design cuts the edges in a beautiful wave-like shape. 

The top has a crescent curve until the center of the surface, and then it rounds outward toward the bottom. Just like any other slab, the button allows blunt square edges.

Ogee Edge takes up more space to look beautiful in a bigger and more spacious kitchen. So, you have to be precise about the size of your countertop because it might suffocate a small-spaced kitchen. 

It doesn’t accommodate straight or sleek lines. Instead, the design is endowed with flowy, smooth curves. You must be extra particular about cleaning an ogee edge because dirt or drips may get stuck in the crescent curve. 

Who should get an ogee edge countertop?

If your style choices are traditional and classical instead of contemporary or modern, the Ogee edge countertop is the one for you! It doesn’t appear too much, but at the same time, it fits perfectly in the traditional kitchen outlook. 

It’s also kid-friendly because the edges don’t have sharp edges anywhere in their design. 

Double Ogee Edge Countertop

While the ogee edge is subtle and minimal, the double ogee edge’s appearance isn’t modest in any sense— it’s very much loud, and the flowy curves are a classical statement within themselves. You cannot put a double ogee on your countertop and not scream traditional!

Add two crescent dips before the convex rounded end, and you have the double ogee edge countertop. Double ogee is one of the thickest countertop edges in the combined list of standard and premium countertops. 

The edge has three proper, thick, and flowy edges, so you can never go wrong with double ogee if your priority is a full-on traditional decor style.

Just like the ogee edge, cleaning double ogee requires extra effort because it’s very easy for fluids to pile up in the dips. Other than that, it’s perfect for a house full of kids. 

Also, a big spacious kitchen is again a requirement for this type of countertop edge. 

Cove Edge Countertop

The Cove edge is very much like the ogee countertop edge, but this one accommodates sharp and straight lines at the conjecture between the concave and convex curves. 

The crescent curve reaches the center and stops abruptly to form a straight line instead of flowing down smoothly to the next curve. 

The presence of straight lines makes this edge perfect for modern and classical kitchen styles. Because it also accommodates curves, cove ogee edges look very aesthetically pleasing and elegant visually.

Dupont Countertop Edge

Dupont edge accommodates a short 90-angle top, closely followed by a big rounded bottom. It’s an upgraded version of the demi bullnose, where the edge provides a sleek top while not sabotaging safety. 

Dupont is definitely a rare choice, but it sits perfectly well with traditional and classical kitchen styles. 

I wouldn’t say it compliments the contemporary decor style because it doesn’t— the short 90𝆩angle (approximately taking ¼ part of the surface) combined with a semi-rounded bottom (¾ of the surface) isn’t the best combination for a modern kitchen. 

Dupont is one of the hardest edges to clean because the junction can easily accumulate a lot of dirt and waste. 

Cove Dupont Countertop Edge

The Cove Dupont countertop edge is a three-layered combination of the cove and the Dupont edge. The top has a crescent curve, followed by a short and straight 90𝆩 angle and a ½ rounded bottom. 

Cove Dupont is perfect for a traditional kitchen and is slightly on the thicker side. So, it’s perfect for individuals who wish to have a thick, elegant, and traditional kitchen style. 

• It will require more cleaning because the crescent dip and 90𝆩 angles are very difficult to clean. 

• It’s not the most kid-friendly option in the traditional edge countertops. So, if you have kids at home, ogee edge would be a better and softer choice. 

Stepped Countertop Edge

As the name suggests, a stepped countertop edge is a heavy traditional edge with multiple layers. These layers can combine many different traditional edges, including cove, ogee, DuPont, double ogee, etc. 

You can have at least 5-6 layers in this combination, creating a 5-inch tall (or more) countertop. 

• This countertop edge personifies elegance and traditions. 
• It’s more expensive than the rest of its counterparts. 
• While stepped countertop edges intensify your kitchen’s overall design, they are hard to clean and maintain. 

Chiseled Countertop Edge

The chiseled countertop edge is very similar to the wood live edge kitchen countertop. 

The only difference is it’s made of stone instead of wood. Not many prefer this edge, and that’s probably why it’s a bold and unique choice.

Instead of properly polishing the stone into squares and rounded curves, this edge is left to embrace its natural cutting and surface. The surface is rough and resembles a stone’s gritty and unorderly texture. 

It’s perfect for rustic, art deco, and cottage interior styles. While the older generation may not prioritize this edge, many younger adults love its raw and natural existence. 

• While aesthetically pleasing, the design could be more challenging to clean and maintain. 
• Not a great choice for kids!

Who should get a chiseled countertop edge?

Someone who’s passionate about trying unique styles instead of opting for basic designs. 

Wood Countertop Edges: Live Edge Countertops

We have all dreamed of living in that countryside cottage home with a warm vibe. If that’s your current style choice, a live edge countertop would be perfect in your kitchen. 

It resembles the chiseled edge countertop but is made of wood! The surface is rough and has a natural wooden texture. Just like the chiseled edge, this live edge is also a rare choice, and that’s what makes it so unique. Like an antic, it sits beautifully on your kitchen counter. 

Choosing a natural trunk instead of a human-made wooden plank is even more beautiful. 

• Again, cleaning this type of countertop edge would be slightly more difficult to maintain, but its beauty is worth it!
• Live edge wood countertops will be more pricey than your standard countertop edges. 

Cheaper Countertop Edge Options: Tile Edge Countertop

Tile edge countertop is the most affordable option amongst all the standard and premium counter edges. Why? Because it isn’t crafted out of expensive material, such as granite, granite or marble. 

You will need tile trims (trim tiles) to finish your tile edges. They usually come in the shape of a bullnose edge, allowing a smoother finish to your countertop, and are made of the same tile material. 

While tile countertop edges can easily chip, they are also easier to repair and don’t cost much! Plus, the variety is abundant when choosing tile countertops that you rarely get when choosing granite or Quartz. 

Quartz Vs. Granite Countertop: Which One is Better? 

You may have constantly heard the heated discussion that goes on while choosing quartz Vs. Granite countertops. While some argue granite is the best, others side with Quartz. The key difference remains a mystery to many because, in the end, both of the materials are stone, right? 

Well, a few differences separate people into two groups: Granite worshippers and quartz lovers! 

Composition

No matter what your seller tells you, Quartz isn’t 100% natural. Unlike granite, Quartz doesn’t directly come from quarries and is cut into slabs. It’s an engineered material made from stone byproducts— it’s first ground up (95% quartz) with color pigments and polymer resins (5%) and then transformed into slabs. 

On the contrary, granite is a 100% all-natural stone directly obtained from quarries and cut into slabs for installation. This is probably why many prefer granite over Quartz; it’s an all-natural product. 

Appearance and Presence

No matter how often you purchase a granite slab, it will always be different and unique! Their natural formation allows them to have a varied mineral, pattern, and color disposition, resulting in limitless variations. 

Quartz is also equally beautiful, but you wouldn’t always get a unique piece because it’s engineered. On the other hand, because we can engineer Quartz, we can attain many great patterns and colors with this material. Some people like this about Quartz; you can engineer it as you desire—something you cannot achieve with granite!

If you truly want a natural stone, why choose Quartz’s artificial copy when you can go with granite? On the other hand, choose Quartz if you want to engineer the countertop stone as per your demand. 

Pricing

Granite is slightly more expensive than Quartz. However, the pricing also depends on several other factors: 

1. Where it’s sourced from. 
2. Transportation charges
3. Tariff, etc. 

Quartz and granite are expensive premium materials and wouldn’t be a great option if you want something budget-friendly. 

Durability

This is where Quartz tops granite. It is definitely more durable. 

1. Quartz doesn’t require constant (yearly) sealing because it’s formed using polymer resins. Granite requires periodic sealing because it has a porous surface. 

2. Quartz doesn’t crack because it’s engineered to remain hard and strong. On the other hand, granite can crack because you never know the flaws it might carry within! 

3. Quartz is also more stain resistant than granite. Granite would need proper cleaning every day as compared to Quartz. 

While granite falls short regarding durability, it’s definitely more heat resistant than Quartz. Also, ‘having cracks’ in granite is possible but not always the case! In fact, it’s almost rare!

Granite Countertop Edges: Most Popular Choices

While granite and Quartz are both popular choices for all the countertop edges, here are a few great edge choices for granite countertops: 

• Mitered countertop because of the beautiful and unique patterns granite offers. 
• Ogee countertop

Quartz Countertop Edges

The same goes for countertop edges for quartz, you can use quartz for literally any type of edge. Below are the most popular edge for quartz countertops: 

• Eased countertop edge
• Square countertop 
• Bevel edge countertop 
• Bullnose countertop edge
• Waterfall countertop edges

Looking for sink recommendations to go along with your countertop?

This Blanco single basin sink and this Delta faucet is what I have in my kitchen and I absolutely love it.